Cheaper/decent Tether Cable?

Joe94 · 18 Sep 2020

Hi all I’m possibly going to be getting an Olympus E-M1 Mark3, with tethering being one of my uses.

However, when I searchonline for tether cables, the only once that seem to appear straight of are from Tether Tool, which are very highly priced! Now I appreciate they are probably the best quality/length for pro studio but I just want one to work in a small room with a tabletop studio to my pc... so basically can anyone recommend a decent but cheaper tether cable?

Cheers

Brian G · 19 Sep 2020

Joe94 said:
Hi all I’m possibly going to be getting an Olympus E-M1 Mark3, with tethering being one of my uses.

However, when I searchonline for tether cables, the only once that seem to appear straight of are from Tether Tool, which are very highly priced! Now I appreciate they are probably the best quality/length for pro studio but I just want one to work in a small room with a tabletop studio to my pc... so basically can anyone recommend a decent but cheaper tether cable?

Cheers

Surely it's just a standard USB cable?

Sky · 19 Sep 2020

I just use a standard cable on my D810 and have never had any problems. I cable tied a keyring hook to it to stop it pulling out of the camera.

I got this one:

rhinocables USB 3.0 A Male to Micro B Hard Drive Cable: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Shop rhinocables USB 3.0 A Male to Micro B Hard Drive Cable for Seagate, Toshiba, Samsung, Western Digital, Data Sync Wire Lead (2m, Black). Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

I used one of these hooks:

TRIXES 20 X Small Lobster Detachable Swivel Clasps for Key Split Ring Craft Hobby Jewelry Jewellery - Keychain Making Accessory - Crafting Supplies - Silver : Amazon.co.uk: Luggage

www.amazon.co.uk

Joe94 · 19 Sep 2020

Thank you everyone for your help with this one, I must admit I did think it was a bit expensive.

I must admit I wasn’t sure whether it’s was just a standard cable or now, but in that case I’ll just get a longer standard usb

Box Brownie · 19 Sep 2020

Just be sure to get one that has the correct small end plug.

AFAIK the Olympus is not the microUSB 'B' ........is it a 'C' type? None too sure, so just make sure!

Sky · 19 Sep 2020

Box Brownie said:
Just be sure to get one that has the correct small end plug.

Good point. The one I linked to was the one I got for my camera.

Brian G · 19 Sep 2020

Box Brownie said:
Just be sure to get one that has the correct small end plug.

AFAIK the Olympus is not the microUSB 'B' ........is it a 'C' type? None too sure, so just make sure!

I'm not certain. When I mislaid my PEN-F cable I couldn't find anything that matched - maybe it's an Olympus special, like this.
Olympus seem to call it a USB5/USB6

Box Brownie · 19 Sep 2020

I have just checked my E-M1MK2 manual and it says it is USB type C connection.

HTH

PS rather than buying (a more expensive?) type C to type A cable......would an A to A extension cable be alright? Plus, bear mind AFAIK USB without a booster is only usable up to 10M long.

PPS having re-read the OP...it does not specify length. The camera comes with a 1.8M cable in the box

Retune · 19 Sep 2020

You should get a cable in the box, like the one in Brian's link. The camera has a USB-C connector, so you either need a USB-A 'male' to USB-C cable like this or (if you computer has USB-C sockets) a USB-C to USB-C cable. I would stick to known brands (e.g. Anker, Belkin, Ikea) for anything involving USB-C:

Amazon clamps down on dangerous, laptop-destroying USB-C cables

USB-C cables that do not comply with the required specifications, which have been known to fry computers, smartphones and tablets, are now banned

www.theguardian.com

but there's no need to buy overpriced cables that cost more than the original Olympus cable.

Joe94 · 19 Sep 2020

Thank you again everyone for you extra help and tip, all very much appreciated

This is why I like the forum because everyone is helpful & also means I don’t end up spending loads of money I don’t need to haha